NJ Jail Locked Down Over Chickenpox Outbreak

The two infected inmates are being treated in isolation, officials said

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A New Jersey correctional facility is on lockdown after two cases of chickenpox were reported among inmates, officials said.

The lockdown was implemented at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution Sunday to ensure the health of the inmate population and the jail staff, officials said. The two inmates with the virus are being treated medically in isolation.

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Inmate transports to the courthouse have been canceled. All programs at the jail have been suspended. Visitation will not be affected since there are no visits on Mondays or Tuesdays, officials said.

The entire inmate population will be examined Tuesday to ensure no one else was infected and determine whether the lockdown should be lifted.

Chickenpox is an airborne virus that spreads easily through coughing or sneezing of sick individuals or through direct contact. Infected individuals are contagious for up to two days before they show symptoms, and remain contagious until the rash fully disappears.

"The Monmouth County Correctional Institution is taking all precautionary measures to protect against the spread of the virus,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Each inmate has been examined and educated about the chickenpox. All of the housing units at the facility continue to be thoroughly disinfected."

The Monmouth County Correctional Institution is a 1,328-bed facility that houses 1,100 to 1,200 inmates per day.

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